Trainer I/II

Texas State Aquarium; Corpus Christi (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Vacation

403(b) retirement plan with a 100% match on the first 5% contributed

Job summary

A premier marine wildlife facility in Corpus Christi is seeking a Trainer I/Trainer II to provide care, training, and enrichment for marine mammals including dolphins and otters. The role requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience in cetacean husbandry. Candidates must possess SCUBA certification and a valid Texas Driver’s License. This position offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and a retirement plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year paid experience in cetacean husbandry and training.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with insurable driving record.
• Open Water SCUBA certification required.

Responsibilities

• Provide primary care and conduct behavioral training for marine mammals.
• Prepare diets and observe animal behavior.
• Assist veterinarians during medical treatments.

Skills

Behavioral training

Animal welfare monitoring

Nutritional care

SCUBA skills

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, animal science, or related field

Job description

Take your career to new depths at the Texas State Aquarium—the premier destination showcasing the wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. With a mission rooted in education, conservation, and wildlife rehabilitation, we inspire guests through engaging, memorable experiences and exceptional animal care.

Position Summary

The Trainer I/Trainer II is a full time position that provides daily care, training, enrichment, and husbandry for the marine mammal collection, ensuring exceptional animal wellness, program delivery, and guest experience. The marine mammal collection includes common bottlenose dolphins, North American river otter and ocelot.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide primary care and conduct behavioral training for the marine mammal collection in accordance with established training plans.
• Prepare diets and feed animals following established nutritional protocols.
• Observe, evaluate, and document animal behavior, reporting abnormalities and trends to supervisors.
• Implement and evaluate behavioral enrichment programs to support animal wellness and development.
• Maintain, clean, and organize animal care areas, food preparation equipment, and enrichment items.
• Assist veterinarians during routine procedures and medical treatments, as directed.
• Maintain accurate feeding, training, husbandry, and medical records, including data entry into TRACKS.
• Support exhibit maintenance activities, including SCUBA-assisted cleaning and aquatic habitat care.
• Monitor life support systems, including water quality and temperature, and report concerns or deviations.
• Contribute to research initiatives related to behavior, physiology, nutrition, or water quality.
• May assist in guiding and supporting interns and volunteers in daily animal care tasks.
• Adhere to all federal, state, local, and AZA policies regarding animal acquisition, care, documentation, and animal wellness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, animal science, or a related field required.
• Minimum one (1) year paid experience in cetacean husbandry and training (or equivalent education/experience).
• Valid Texas Driver’s License with insurable driving record.
• Open Water SCUBA certification required.
• First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen Provider certifications required (may be obtained after hire).
• Successful completion of a swim test required.

Other Information

Includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, vacation, and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 100% match on the first 5% contributed. Classified as Trainer I or Trainer II based on experience.